Introduction to Psychology and Biological Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts from the psychology and biological psychology chapters.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Wilhelm Wundt

The father of experimental psychology who opened the first psychology lab in 1879.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

A committee that reviews and approves research to protect participants.

Informed Consent

Participants know what they’re agreeing to before taking part in a study.

Confidentiality

Personal data of participants is protected.

Protection from Harm

Ensures no physical or psychological harm occurs to participants.

Deception Justified

Deception is allowed in research only if necessary and minimal.

Debriefing

Explaining the study to participants after it has been conducted.

Scientific Process

A series of steps that include asking a question, forming a hypothesis, and reporting findings.

Descriptive Research

Research methods that include case studies, naturalistic observation, and surveys.

Correlational Research

Research that shows the relationship between variables but does not prove causation.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that the researcher manipulates in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Confounds

Variables other than the independent variable that could affect the results.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.

Operational Definition

An exact explanation of how variables are measured.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes all other nerves outside the CNS.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits information.

Dendrites

Parts of a neuron that receive messages.

Axon

The part of a neuron that sends messages.

Action Potential

An electrical signal that travels down the axon.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.

Agonist

A substance that mimics or increases neurotransmitter action.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks neurotransmitter action.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt due to experience.

Broca's Area

The region of the brain responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's Area

The region of the brain involved in language comprehension.

Left Hemisphere

The side of the brain associated with language, logic, and math.

Right Hemisphere

The side of the brain associated with creativity, emotion, and spatial skills.

Genes and Environment

The interaction of genetics and the environment in influencing behavior.